NIH-FDA Nutrition Regulatory Science Workshop: advancing research and policy

Nutrition plays a pivotal role in health, yet poor dietary habits are now the leading risk factor for illness and death. In the United States, diet-related conditions such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and obesity cause >1 million deaths per year and are leading contributors to the nation's $4.5 trillion in healthcare spending.

Addressing these issues requires coordinated efforts across multiple sectors and government agencies. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are essential partners in this endeavor. A strong foundation of scientific research, coupled with effective, practical, and real-world regulatory activities, is critical to inform consumers and support a healthier food environment.

In December 2024, NIH and FDA convened a workshop to advance nutrition science for food-related policy decision making. A diverse group of researchers, policymakers, and other experts participated in the event to identify research gaps, explore strategies for enhanced NIH-FDA collaboration, and highlight emerging technologies in nutrition science, with a particular focus on the topic of ultra-processed foods.

The workshop was designed to do the following: 1) identify critical research gaps and priorities in nutrition regulatory science; 2) enhance scientific collaboration between NIH and FDA; 3) explore how scientific evidence informs food-related policies and regulations; and 4) highlight emerging technologies and data resource needs for nutrition research.

This article summarizes the workshop proceedings and describes priority research gaps, opportunities, and suggested next steps that emerged from the discussions.